Isle of Wight Marathon
IT was a six-hour slog, but it was worth it for Andy Willis who battled his way to complete the Isle of Wight Marathon.
One hundred and 47 runners took part in the 51st running of this great race, which is organised by Ryde Harriers, and Andy finished 147th in a time of 6hrs 26mins 43secs, which takes a hell of a lot of guts and determination.
The Isle of Wight Marathon has been running continuously since 1957, making it the longest running and one of the first 26-milers to be held in the UK. It's a hilly and tough course starting in Ryde and consists of a single lap course taking in Binstead, Wootton, Newport, Rookley, Godshill, Shanklin, Sandown, Brading and back to Ryde.
Richard Gurd from Windle Valley Runners in Surrey was the first man back in Ryde in 2:54.13, and the top woman was Judy Brown from Ryde Harriers in 3:37.05 for 22nd overall.